5 Awesome RV Secrets Everyone Needs to Know

Last Updated on September 4, 2024

Since the world came to a halt because of the pandemic, adventurers’ itchy feet are exploring other paths to release their energy. According to a report published by the RV Industry Association, RV shipments broke the all-time record in the US in 2021. Americans are turning to the mobile and nomadic lifestyle by living the RV life.

Traveling in an RV is an appealing idea in a time like this. RVs are more than vehicles, they are homes that carry your passion. There are plenty of things about RVs that everyone should know about before starting their RV journey. If you are planning on getting one, make sure you know all these secrets first.

5 RV Secrets Everyone Needs to Know

The “10-Year-Rule” Many Campgrounds Follow

Before you excitedly purchase a second-hand RV to make it your dream home, traveling might not go as smoothly if the vehicle is more than 10 years old. Across the country, many campsites refuse entry for old RVs.

The “10-Year-Rule” was originally adopted by campsites due to safety concerns. Outdated RVs may come with electrical issues and faulty designs that harm other campsite occupants.

Needless to say, this “safety procedure” has not been well-met by RV lovers, especially the ones who adore vintage RVs. An RV can be both old and functional. Age does not play an important factor in a vehicle’s safety as much as maintenance. Any responsible RV owners would get their homes regularly checked.

Vintage RVers have persistently tried to explain the high standards of their beloved home to the internet, hoping to change the perception that old equals garbage. Unfortunately, the effort has been futile so far as most RV campsites still strongly hold on to this rule, regardless of how sharp your RV looks.

The RV Life Could Be More Expensive

A lot of people get into RV life thinking it is a cheaper way to live or vacation. It is simply not true. The entry ticket to an RV purchase usually starts at $6,000, with a fancy motorhome going as much as half a million dollars. Keep in mind that all these prices do not include any renovation you might want for your specific RV.

Owning an RV is almost the same as paying a mortgage with all the additional lump-sum costs. You will have to pay for campsites when you are on the road. On average, the cost for RV parking in national parks ranges from $20 to $100 a night. The entry fees vary drastically in different locations and the scale of the park.

Just like a typical house, an RV requires regular checkups and maintenance to ensure everything is working and in good condition. If anything, you need to pay extra attention to an RV than an apartment since the consequences of a fault break can be very deadly to you and others on the road.

Considering all the costs, having an RV can easily be more expensive than living in a house or hotel. That being said, there are ways to cut down your RV budget without compromising the quality with some proper RV protection.

Learn To Utilize Boondocking

The terminology in the RV world can be dazzling and confusing. Boondocking is probably a strange term you have never heard of. It contrasts to the traditional RV campsites which provide you with all the utilities. Boondocking means camping au-natural outside designated RV parks. Just you and whatever you have in your RV.

Boondocking is a fantastic way to save money since camping in public areas is mostly free, or very low cost if you are entering a national park. Although you will not be provided with any campsite support, you are able to enjoy nature far away from human civilization.

RVers are always divided over whether RV parks or boondocking is “better”. It shouldn’t be a competition. Both methods bring you a different experience and it highly depends on your personal preference.

Your Head May Be Bumping Into The Ceiling All The Time If You Don’t Choose An RV Carefully

Tall people have this struggle all the time when renting or buying an RV. You definitely would want an RV you can stand up straight in if you plan to live there for a good while. At the same time, you should avoid an RV so tall and big that it is impossible to travel on some roads.

Striving for a balance can be difficult. Study the dimensions of the RV in detail and consider how the interior designs could impact your daily life. Buying an RV on a whim is not exactly a good idea. You will end up finding a lot of issues to deal with later.

Check out different RVs before you settle for one long-term. It gives you a clearer idea of what would suit your lifestyle and maximize your comfort in your mobile home.

Internet May Not Come Easily

While some people choose to live in an RV to truly be off-grid, many others choose this way of living to accompany their digital nomad lifestyle. If you work remotely and rely heavily on a stable internet connection, be prepared that WiFi in campsites is often choppy and laggy.

To support your lifestyle, you might want to check for other internet sources like portable WiFi. An unlimited data plan for your phone will also come in handy so you can share WiFi with your laptop.

There are a lot of digital nomads living the RV life. It is a beautiful experience to see the world while making a living. Working in an RV is certainly doable. It will just take a little more planning.

Summary

It is easy to see the appeal of RV life. Any RVer will tell you; this is the best life he or she has ever lived— but it does not come easy. You are probably thinking of buying an RV to join this stronger-than-ever community. To start preparing, these RV secrets are something to keep in your notebook as they will always be useful to know.

Also Read: 8 Best Portable Generators For Your RV